How to Prevent Picking Up Bed Bugs During Travel

Unfortunately, the United States has seen a huge influx of bed bugs in the past few years. Those who have been unlucky enough to experience them know just how itchy and invaded one can feel even after a single night of bites. And that's only the beginning of hardships that can come from brining home these unwanted house guests. Rather than having to get rid of bed bugs later on, however, it's best to avoid them in the first place.

When traveling, follow these easy tips to keep yourself and your belongings critter safe.

First, check the online registry. Head to BedBugRegistry.com for reports on hotels, apartment complexes, and more that have been hit with an infestation. Previous guests and tenants help report, so there's a good chance that if bed bugs have been present, it will be listed.

Next, know what to look for. When you first walk into a hotel room, take note of the smell. A musty scent is an indication of a large bed bug population. Then check the mattresses. Pull up sheets and look deep at mattress folds and into nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for discoloration (yellow, brown, or red), as well as the bugs themselves, which will look similar to apple seeds in both size and color. 

Finally, keep your belongings in the car. You might love sleeping with a particular pillow or blanket, but the more items you take into a hotel room, the better chance you have at bringing bugs back home. Live without your favorite item for a single night, and you can be well on your way to keeping the bugs away, no matter where you prefer to travel. 

By following these steps combined, you can work to keep yourself and your home bite and bug free.

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Are you at Risk for Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs have become an ever-growing threat across the U.S. And nothing sounds less pleasant than an infestation of bugs that bite and crawl through our resting places each night. Not only does it make it impossible to sleep, there is an entire round of critters that must be dealt with. Making all the more important to ensure that you haven’t been exposed – or won’t be exposed – to these living nuisances. 

If you’ve stayed in a hotel or traveled within recent weeks, it’s a good idea to check your bed for signs of bugs. You’ll also gain bites or rashes once coming in contact with these pesky creatures. After checking for bites, look in your sheets, and in nooks and crannies on the mattress, including seams, bed skirts, box springs, etc. Though small, each bed bug is about the size and color of an apple seed, meaning they can easily be tracked down if you know what to look for. If no signs are found, you’re likely safe! When locating bug feces, exoskeletons, or bugs themselves, however, will call for an at-home treatment or the help of an exterminator. 

How to Avoid Bed Bugs

In the future, be sure to check for signs of infestations when traveling. Check mattress corners when checking in, while strong musty scents can also be a warning sign. Finally, keep your luggage off the bed and floor. Instead, opt for a hard surface (such as provided dressers), or suitcase stands. These surfaces will be harder for bugs to climb, and ensure an extra level of protection, no matter how long your stay.

When traveling, there’s always an added fear of bringing critters home, especially with growing numbers of bed bugs taking over our vacation plans. But by being aware of what to look for, and taking precautionary measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of bed bugs taking hold. 

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